Gannett-owned Newsquest, which publishes 300 UK titles and 132 local newspaper sites, announced last month its ad revenue had tumbled by 23.6% year on year in Q3.
Newsquest has ramped up its online strategy recently, however, having rolled out money and insurance comparison services across its portfolio of local sites through a partnership with BeatThatQuote.com.
Roger Green, managing director of Newsquest digital, said the group was committed to increasing relevant audiences for advertisers. He said Newsquest is adding more of the right people to its user base and that "87% of Newsquest's online users live in the areas served by our local and regional media brands".
The bulk of Newsquest's digital sales are handled by a central division, Newsquest Media Sales, in conjunction with local teams. Around 10% of online sales are handled by agencies.
Green said Newsquest has expanded its digital operation over the past few years and there were no plans to "scale back" the team, but he could not speak for the rest of the company.
Newsquest has also signed up for six-monthly enhanced ABCe certificates for its network as a whole and 12 of its largest websites.
The Newsquest websites that will be audited by ABCe are Dailyecho.co.uk, Eveningtimes.co.uk, Lancashiretelegraph.co.uk, Oxfordmail.net, Sundayherald.com, Swindonadvertiser.co.uk, Theargus.co.uk, Theboltonnews.co.uk, Theherald.co.uk, Thenorthernecho.co.uk, Thepress.co.uk and Thetelegrapghandargus.co.uk.
Northcliffe Media Network, GMG Regional Media and Johnston Press have previously signed up to the six-monthly audits.
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